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It’s your first time on the slopes. And, what are some of the things that you can do to help you have a good experience? Here are a few ideas.
First, if going with a friend, make sure he has LOTS of patience. You will be skiing very slowly. You’ll fall down a lot. You’re friend will be giving up skiing at his level to ski at your snail-like pace. Consider going with someone who has never skied either. You’ll both be in the same boat together.
Manage your expectations of what your experience will be like. Do you have dreams of flying pell-mell down the hill sending out sprays of powdery white snow?? Well, tuck that dream away until you get more experience. Keep in mind that you will fall down. A lot. You will have a hard time getting up. You’ll feel embarrassed that you are flailing on the ground when five-year-old tots zoom past. You will be terrified when you go fast. (Well, your speed seems fast to YOU!)
Make sure that you have boots that fit. If you don’t, you’ll get blisters (because your boots are too big) or have freezing feet (because your boots are too snug). When renting your equipment, be sure to have a knowledgeable clerk help you select your gear.
Make sure that your outer clothing is waterproof. (This means no Levis or sweatpants.) You will be falling down a lot. Levis and sweats will get wet. When your clothes are wet, you will be cold. If you are cold, you will be miserable.
Getting up will be one of the hardest things you will do the whole day. After you fall, pull your feet as close to your buttocks as you can. Push yourself into a squatting position. Use your ski poles if necessary. Or, grab hold of your friend’s ski pole and have him help pull you up.
